Sixteen members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, on Friday, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The lawmakers’ decision, premised on what was termed ‘clear division’ within the PDP, was announced during the assembly’s plenary.

Mr Amaewhule disclosed that he joined the All Progressive Congress, after formally notifying his ward chairman of his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party.

The speaker said, “Distinguished colleagues, very happily, let me announce that your speaker has decided, and has indeed written to my ward chairman of my decision, to leave the PDP. APC is my new party.

“I will do all that is needed to be done towards ensuring that the party card of the All Progressives Congress is issued to me in no time. But as I speak today, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am happy to be a member of APC so that we can join forces with Mr President.”

He added President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was doing so much for the country and meant well for it. 

He stated, “He is tackling the issue of security headlong. The president has shown love to Rivers State. The president is helping Rivers people to be part of the governance of this country.”

Faulting the crisis in the PDP, the speaker noted that the party’s internal rifts, particularly at the national level, contributed to the reasons for his defection.

Other members of the assembly who defected included Dumle Maol, Major Jack, Linda Stewart, Franklin Nwabochi, Azeru Opara, Smart Adoki, Enemi George, Solomon Wami, Igwe Aforji, Tekena Wellington, Looloo Opuende, Peter Abbey, Arnold Dennis, Chimezie Nwankwo, and Ofiks Kabang.

Earlier, on Wednesday, the assembly passed a vote of confidence in the President Bola Tinubu’s administration, following a motion by Major Jack, who urged Mr Tinubu to seek re-election.

Also, the decision of the lawmakers followed the now resolved political crisis  between the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara and some lawmakers loyal to a former governor of the state and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, who was the governor’s estranged political godfather.